Iwatch buying guide

Hi

Which model of Apple Watch (not iwatch) to buy is a matter of personal preference.

I suggest that you consider visiting an Apple Retail Store or Apple Authorised Reseller for assistance with viewing, trying on and choosing between available models.

All models are compatible with iPhone 8 Plus:

• Apple Watch Series 3 (GPS + Cellular) requires an iPhone 6 or newer with the latest version of iOS.
• Apple Watch Series 3 (GPS) and all other models require an iPhone 5s or newer with the latest version of iOS.
• Set up your Apple Watch - Apple Support

All models of Apple Watch can be used, for example, to make calls and to send and receive messages, subject to connectivity (see the further information below for more details):

• Answer phone calls
• Read messages
• Notifications on your Apple Watch - Apple Support

There are two different versions of Apple Watch Series 3. Apple Watch Series 3 (GPS) and Series 1 models do not have a built-in cellular capability. Series 3 (GPS + Cellular) models support a built-in cellular feature, subject to having a compatible service plan from a supported carrier. See below for more information.

• Apple Watch - Compare - Apple
• Apple Watch Series 3 - Apple

If you expect that you will always have your iPhone with you, then the built-in cellular feature may not be of benefit to you. However, other differences between Series 3 (GPS + Cellular) models and Series 3 (GPS) models include that (GPS + Cellular) models:

• Have double the storage capacity of GPS-only models.
• Have a ceramic back (instead of a composite back).
• Are compatible with Apple's recently announced AirPower wireless charging mat, which is due to be released this year:

  AirPower mat

• Include options for Stainless Steel and Space Black Stainless Steel cases (all GPS-only models are aluminium).
• Stainless Steel and Ceramic (Edition) case models have a sapphire crystal, which is more scratch resistant than Ion-X Glass.

Apple Watch Series 3 (GPS) and Series 1 models

Apple Watch Series 3 (GPS) and Series 1 models do not have a built-in cellular capability.

Any calls or data-related services are routed either via the paired iPhone or via a direct connection between the watch and a compatible Wi-Fi network (when the watch cannot connect to the paired iPhone via Bluetooth).

Specific support for the Apple Watch is not required on the service plan for the paired iPhone.

Apple Watch Series 3 (GPS) and Series 1 models can be used in conjunction with an iPhone 5s or newer model of iPhone (running the latest version of iOS) and a service plan for the iPhone from any carrier.

Apple Watch Series 3 (GPS + Cellular)

In respect of data usage, Apple Watch Series 3 (GPS + Cellular) also always first tries to use the Bluetooth connection to your iPhone (which does not require a separate plan for the watch) or, in the absence of that, any available connection to a compatible Wi-Fi network.

If neither of those is available, then Apple Watch Series 3 (GPS + Cellular) has a built-in cellular capability that, under certain circumstances, can enable certain features, which do not remain available on GPS-only models under the same circumstances, to remain available when the watch is used without the iPhone nearby.

The feature involves the built-in eSIM / embedded SIM card in the Apple Watch copying information from the paired iPhone's SIM card, including using the same phone number.

The feature requires a carrier plan for your iPhone that specifically includes support for the Apple Watch Series 3 (GPS + Cellular), including the carrier activating the device on the plan:

• Set up and use cellular on Apple Watch Series 3 (GPS + Cellular) - Apple Support
• Use Apple Watch with a cellular network—Apple Watch Series 3 (GPS + Cellular) only

An activation fee and ongoing monthly cost may apply - contact your preferred carrier for details:

Apple Watch - Carriers - Apple

Apple Watch Series 3 (GPS + Cellular) can also be used without enabling the built-in cellular feature, in which case it functions like a GPS-only model and can be used in conjunction with a service plan for iPhone 6 or newer model of iPhone, running the latest version of iOS, from any carrier, with no need to activate the watch on the plan.

All models

The functions that are available on your Apple Watch when it is away from your iPhone depend on various factors including:

• Your Apple Watch model:

  Apple Watch - Compare - Apple

• The features of your carrier service plan:
  • Apple Watch - Carriers - Apple
  • Make a call with Wi-Fi Calling - Apple Support
  • Make calls over Wi-Fi
• The type of connectivity that is available to your Apple Watch at the time:

  About Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and cellular on your Apple Watch - Apple Support

Features and requirements that apply under various circumstances are detailed here, including within the footnotes:

How to use your Apple Watch without your iPhone nearby - Apple Support